The Umpire's List of Lists

[Carl Childress]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

From the 2013-14 NFHS Umpires Manual:


"Suit your simultaneous verbal call to the emphasis of the physical call and phrase it for, and direct it to, the offensive player. You could say, "He's out!" But if you say, "You're out!" you're getting to the principal one who must be convinced."

I agree that this is phrased wrong. But sometimes the situation demands pointing the call to the specific player; i.e., when two players are on the same base and both players are tagged.

The proper mechanic is: "42: You're out. Time!" This way, you protect the player who owns the base.

I once followed that practice. #42 said: "Why?" I said: "I don't discuss calls with JV players, son." Later in the half-inning I realized the bases had been loaded with a ground ball to the pitcher who had chased R3 back to third. #42 had been forced to third and owned the base.

My point is, if you're asleep, not even mechanics properly used can save your behind.